Electrical problem likely cause of island fire

NANTUCKET — An electrical malfunction was the likely cause of a fire that heavily damaged a South Road business early yesterday, a fire department official said.

NANTUCKET — An electrical malfunction was the likely cause of a fire that heavily damaged a South Road business early yesterday, a fire department official said.

Although the fire was limited to the basement at 33 Old South Road, that is where supplies and coolers for the coffee shop/restaurant Espresso to Go and Fast Forward were stored, Nantucket fire Chief Mark McDougall said. He estimated the cost of smoke, fire and water damage along with ruined supplies could amount to $50,000 to $75,000.

"This is just an estimate and does not take into consideration that this building is where they do the baking for their other location," McDougall added.

The company also has an eatery in the village.

A passerby called 911 around 2:40 a.m. after noticing smoke coming from the building, McDougall said. The building had smoke detectors and an alarm system, but the alarm system was not monitored, he said.

Arriving firefighters found heavy smoke in the basement and first floor of the building. The fire, which was contained in the basement, was quickly extinguished. But firefighters were on the scene until after 5 a.m., checking for hot spots and investigating the cause of the blaze.

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